Elcometer FD700DL+ User manual

Model FD700DL+ & FD700+
Corrosion and Flaw Gauge
Operating Instructions

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This product meets the Electromagnetic Compatibility Directive.
The product is Class A, Group 1 ISM equipment according to CISPR 11.
Group 1 ISM product: A product in which there is intentionally generated and/or used
conductively coupled radio-frequency energy which is necessary for the internal
functioning of the equipment itself.
Class A product are suitable for use in all establishments other than domestic and those directly connected
to a low voltage power supply network which supplies buildings used for domestic purposes.
Note:Intheclosepresence of some radio transmitters,erroneous readings may be given. If this occurs tests
should be repeated at another location.
These operating instructions are available for download on our website www.elcometerndt.com.
The following trademark is a registered trademark of Elcometer Limited, Edge Lane, Manchester, M43 6BU.
United Kingdom:
Material Safety Data Sheets for the ultrasonic couplant supplied with the FD700DL+ & FD700+ and
available as an accessory, are available to download via our website:
Elcometer NDT Ultrasonic Couplant Material Safety Data Sheet :
www.elcometerndt.com/images/MSDS/elcometer_ultrasonic_couplant.pdf
Elcometer NDT Ultrasonic Couplant Material Safety Data Sheet :
www.elcometerndt.com/images/MSDS/elcometer_ultrasonic_couplant_hi_temp.pdf
All other trademarks acknowledged. © Elcometer Limited 2012. All rights reserved. No part of this document
may be reproduced, transmitted, transcribed, stored (in a retrieval system or otherwise) or translated into
any language, in any form or by any means (electronic, mechanical, magnetic, optical, manual or otherwise)
without the prior written permission of Elcometer Limited.
TMA-0561 Issue 01
Text with cover: 23833

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Contents
SECTION 1 : ABOUT YOUR GAUGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 1
1 Introduction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .3
2 The Keypad . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .5
3 Getting Started . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .6
4 Selecting Gauge Operating Mode (Thickness Gauge / Flaw Detector) . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
5 The Menus . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .7
SECTION 2 : THICKNESS GAUGE . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 9
6 The Measurement Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .9
7 Measurement - Modes . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .15
8 Setting up the Thickness Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .16
9 Measurement - Taking Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .21
10 Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
11 Thrupaint™ measurement technique . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .22
12 Measurement - Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .23
13 Transducers For Thickness Measurement . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .25
SECTION 3 : FLAW DETECTOR. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 25
14 The Measurement Screen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .26
15 Setting Up The Flaw Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .28
16 Measurement - Detecting Flaws . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
17 Adjusting the Waveform display . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .33
18 Gates . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .35
19 TRIG - Trigonometry Mode . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .36
20 AWS - Weld Inspection . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .38
21 DAC - Distance Amplitude Correction . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .39
22 TCG - Time Corrected Gain . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .42
23 Measurement - Options . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .44
SECTION 4 : FUNCTIONS & FEATURES COMMON TO ALL GAUGES. . . . . . . . . 46
24 Measurement - Recording your Readings . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .46
25 Gauge Setups . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .50
26 Data Transfer Software . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
27 Storage . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .52
28 Maintenance . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .53
29 Technical Specification . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .54
30 Warranty . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
31 Spares & Accessories . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .55
32 Condition and Preparation of Surfaces . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
33 Application . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .56
34 Sound Velocities of Common Materials . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .57
35 The Menu Commands - Thickness Gauge . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .58
36 The Menu Commands - Flaw Detector . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .63

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Thank you for purchasing this Elcometer NDT product. Welcome to Elcometer NDT.
The FD700 series of Corrosion Gauge and Flaw Detector are world beating products. With the
purchase of this gauge you now have access to the worldwide service and support network of
Elcometer. For more information visit our website at www.elcometer.com.
SECTION 1 : ABOUT YOUR GAUGE
1 INTRODUCTION
The FD700 series are a combined corrosion gauge and flaw detector that measures with extreme
versatility.
• When the GAUGE function is set to THICKNESS GAUGE, the FD700 series becomes a
Corrosion Gauge which has the ability to measure coatings and material thickness
simultaneously while maintaining the ability to locate pits, flaws and defects in the material.
Based on the same operating principles as SONAR, the FD700 series are capable of
measuring the thickness of various materials with accuracy as high as 0.01 millimetres (0.001
inches).
• When the GAUGE function is set to FLAW DETECTOR, the gauges become a Flaw Detector
which have the ability to detect the size and position of flaws and to differentiate between flaw
types in various materials and welded joints.
The principal advantage of ultrasonic thickness measurement over traditional methods is that
ultrasonic measurements can be performed with access to only one side of the material being
measured.
The gauges include a data-logging (memory) facility which allows readings and waveforms to be
stored in batches before being downloaded to a computer.
1.1 STANDARDS
Your gauge can be used in accordance with the following Standards and test methods; ASTM E
797, EN 14127 and EN 15317.
1.2 WHAT THIS BOX CONTAINS
FD700DL+ or FD700+, Bottle of couplant, Battery (3 x), Carrying case, Test Certificate, Operating
instructions, CD with software to enable you to transfer your readings and settings to and from a
PC, RS232 cable and USB to serial converter.
Note: The box does not include a transducer; these must be ordered separately. To order a
transducer, contact Elcometer NDT or your local Elcometer NDT supplier.
1.3 FEATURES OF THE GAUGE
• Two gauges in one: Corrosion (thickness) gauge and Flaw Detector
• Wide range of thickness measurement modes: Pulse-Echo, Echo-Echo, Echo-Echo Verify,
Coating Only, Pulse-Echo with Temperature Compensation, and Pulse-Echo with Coating
• Automatic: probe zero, probe recognition, and temperature compensation.
• Adjustable gain settings.
• Stores up to 64 custom setups for specific applications.
• High speed scan mode of up to 50 readings per second.
• Audible/visual alarm with high and low limit settings.

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• Differential mode for QC inspections.
• Colour display.
• Radio frequency RF and RECT A-Scan displays.
• Time based B-Scan display for cross section material scans (thickness gauge).
• Measurement data storage formats: Alpha numeric grid and sequential with auto identifier.
Data can be downloaded to a computer for analysis and storage.
To maximise the benefits of your new Elcometer NDT gauge, please take some time to read
these Operating Instructions. Do not hesitate to contact Elcometer NDT or your Elcometer
NDT supplier if you have any questions.
1.4 PACKAGING
The gauge is packed inside its carrying case within a cardboard box. Please ensure that the
packaging is disposed of in an environmentally sensitive manner. Consult your Local Environmental
Authority for further guidance.

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2 THE KEYPAD
Activates the primary menu structure containing menu tab groups. These tab
groups then contain sub menu items, or functions. The sub menu items are
organised in tab groups according to how closely they are related to the
individual tab group names.
Clears a measurement from a grid or sequential log files cell location or set
obstruct, and backspace in an Alpha Edit Box. If you have already saved a
measurement and waveform to a cell location, use this key to clear the
measurement at any time. In Flaw mode, clears a DAC reference point used to
generate a curve.
Press to start taking measurements. The readings are displayed on the screen.
Also used to navigate forward through the hot menu.
Press to confirm a change or selection. When in measurement mode, enables or
disables the Hot Menu. If your gauge is displaying a grid log, this key toggles an
advance to row number option.
In the MENU, MEAS, and EDIT functions this key acts as a back or escape
function. If your gauge is displaying a grid or sequential log, the key toggles
the display options; RF, +RECT, -RECT, RECTFW, B-SCAN or DIGITS (display
options depend upon gauge operating mode - Thickness Gauge / Flaw
Detector).
In the menus, scrolls through the menus, increases/decreases values, and
toggles functions.
In menus this key activates list and edit boxes, displays and saves
measurements to grid or sequential files locations.
While making measurements, opens your log files.
In Thickness mode, press to select a measurement mode.
In Flaw mode, press to select flaw mode options; NORMAL, PEAK or FREEZE.
Switches the gauge ON or OFF.
Note: The gauge will automatically switch off when idle for 5 minutes. All current
settings are automatically saved prior to switching off.
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3 GETTING STARTED
3.1 FITTING BATTERIES
.Your gauge may be used with dry cell or rechargeable batteries.
3 x LR6 (AA) alkaline batteries are supplied with this gauge.
When the battery voltage is low the entire display will start to
flash. When this occurs the batteries should be replaced.
To fit or replace batteries:
1. Unscrew battery compartment cover.
2. Referring to battery polarity instructions on rear of gauge,
insert batteries.
3. Replace battery compartment cover.
Note: Remove the batteries from the gauge if it is to remain
unused for a long period of time. This will prevent damage to the
gauge in the event of malfunction of the batteries.
3.2 CHOOSING THE TRANSDUCER
When you purchased your gauge you should have also
purchased a suitable transducer for your application. If you have
not yet done so, refer to “Transducers For Thickness
Measurement” on page 25, which will help you identify the
correct transducer type. Alternatively contact Elcometer NDT, your local Elcometer NDT supplier or
visit www.elcometerndt.com
3.3 FITTING THE TRANSDUCER
The transducer transmits and receives ultrasonic sound
waves that the gauge uses to calculate the thickness of the
material being measured.
The transducer connects to the gauge via the attached
cable, and two coaxial connectors. When using transducers
manufactured by Elcometer, the orientation of the dual
coaxial connectors is not critical; either plug may be fitted to
either socket.
3.4 SWITCHING ON/OFF
To switch on or off, press the on/off key .
The gauge will switch off automatically after 5 minutes of inactivity.
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4 SELECTING GAUGE OPERATING MODE (THICKNESS GAUGE / FLAW
DETECTOR)
Your gauge combines a thickness gauge and a flaw detector in one unit. To select operating mode:
1. Press MENU/UTIL/GAUGE and press ENTER
2. Use UP and DOWN to select THICKNESS GAUGE, FLAW DETECTOR or REQUEST.
3. Press OK to confirm.
4. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
Note:WhensettoREQUEST,the gauge will ask which mode is required whenever itisswitched on.
5 THE MENUS
Your gauge has two menu systems:
• Full menu - displays all the functions and settings of the gauge (see also page 58 and
page 63.
• Hot menu - displays a sub-set of functions and settings related to taking measurements.
5.1 FULL MENU
5.2 HOT KEY MENU
Press MENU once to
access the menus... then press MENU to scroll to the right along
the sub menu bar and
ESC to scroll left to the
sub menu you want.
Use UP and DOWN to
scroll to the function
you want within the
sub menu...
then use LEFT and
RIGHT to scroll to the
option you want or to
select/unselect
Press MEAS once to
access the
measurement screen.
The hot menu
functions are
displayed at the
bottom of the reading
screen.
Press MEAS to scroll
right along the hot
menu functions and
ESC to scroll left until
the function you want
is highlighted.
Use UP, DOWN, LEFT
and RIGHT to adjust
the value of the
function.
Alternatively, adjust
values by pressing
ENTER then use UP,
DOWN, LEFT and
RIGHT to scroll and
adjust values. Press
OK when finished.

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5.3 SELECTING MENU LANGUAGE
The menus can be displayed in English, Spanish, and German.
1. Select MENU/SET/LANGUAGE.
2. Use LEFT and RIGHT to scroll the language options.
3. Once the desired language is displayed, press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
5.4 ADJUSTING THE DISPLAY
Your gauge has an AMOLED display which you can customise to your preferences:
CHANGING THE DISPLAY BRIGHTNESS
To adjust the display brightness:
1. Select MENU/DISP/BRIGHTNESS
2. Use LEFT and RIGHT to scroll to the value you require. The scale is an arbitrary scale from 0
to 20.
3. Alternatively, press ENTER to display the DIGITS EDIT BOX and adjust with navigation keys.
4. Press OK to set the value and return to the menu screen, or ESC to cancel.
5. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
CHANGING THE DISPLAY COLOUR SCHEME
Your gauge includes a range of display colour schemes. You can select one colour scheme from
this range:
1. Select MENU/DISP/COLORS.
2. Press ENTER to access choose colour screen.
The Choose Colour screen shows the range of colour schemes available. The current colour
scheme is highlighted.
3. Use UP and DOWN to scroll to the required colour scheme (highlight NONE for black and
white).
4. Press ENTER to select the colour scheme.
5. Press OK to confirm your selection and return to the menu screen, or ESC to cancel.
6. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
CHANGING THE DISPLAY DIM TIME
Your gauge includes a DIM function which can be used to extend battery life. The DIM function is
used to set the time delay in seconds between the last measurement and an automatic reduction
in screen brightness that can save battery power.
Note: This function does not override the preset 5 minute idle power off feature.
To set the DIM time:
1. Select MENU/DISP/DIM.
2. Use LEFT and RIGHT to scroll to the value you require.
3. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.

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CHANGING THE RECT WAVEFORM TYPE
The RECT waveform can be displayed
FILLED or UNFILLED, as illustrated
(screenshots taken with gauge set to
FLAW mode).
To adjust the RECT WAVE setting:
1. Select MENU/DISP/RECT WAVE.
2. Use LEFT and RIGHT to scroll to
RECT WAVE.
3. Press MEAS to return to the
measurement screen.
CHANGING THE DETECT MARK ON
THE WAVEFORM
The type of detect mark on the waveform
can be adjusted (NONE, LINE, DOTS or NONE), as illustrated. The detect mark is useful as it
provides a clear indication to the user as to where a detect is taking place and what the thickness
reading displayed in the top right of the thickness gauge display is derived from. The thickness
reading shown by the flaw detector when "OK" is pressed is also shown with the detect mark
To adjust the DETECT MARK setting:
1. Select MENU/DISP/DETECT MARK
2. Use LEFT and RIGHT to locate the type of DETECT MARK.
3. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
5.5 FRONT PANEL LIGHTS
The green light illuminates when the alarm mode is active and the measurement is within limits.
The red light illuminates when the alarm mode is active and the measurement is outside limits.
SECTION 2 : THICKNESS GAUGE
6 THE MEASUREMENT SCREEN
When the GAUGE function is set to THICKNESS GAUGE, the FD700 series becomes a corrosion
gauge that measures with extreme versatility. It has the ability to measure coatings and material
thickness simultaneously while maintaining the ability to locate pits, flaws and defects in the
material.
Based on the same operating principles as SONAR, the FD700 series is capable of measuring the
thickness of various materials with accuracy as high as 0.01 millimetres (0.001 inches). The
Unfilled Filled
None Line Dots Box

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principal advantage of ultrasonic measurement over traditional methods is that ultrasonic
measurements can be performed with access to only one side of the material being measured.
Your gauge has four types of measurement screen:
• A-Scan Waveform, RF
• A-Scan Waveform, RECT
•B-Scan
•Digits
To see the measurement screen, press MEAS.
To select which measurement screen to use, press MENU/DISP/VIEW and then select RF, RECT,
B-SCAN or DIGITS.
6.1 ITEMS COMMON TO ALL MEASUREMENT SCREENS
A number of items are common to all the measurement screens:
A Battery Icon Remaining battery life.
B Repeatability/Stability
Indicator This indicator is used in conjunction with the digital thickness values displayed. When all the vertical bars are fully illuminated
and the last digit on the digital thickness value is stable, your
gauge is reliably measuring the value.
C Material Thickness
Value/
Material Velocity Value
The thickness or sound velocity of the material under the
transducer (type depends upon measurement view)
A-SCAN B-SCAN DIGITS
RF RECT
A-SCAN
A
B
C
D
F
G
H
E

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6.2 RF A-SCAN MEASUREMENT
SCREEN
The RF view shows the full sound wave as
received by the gauge. The vertical axis
indicates the amplitude of the received wave
and the horizontal position indicates the time
it is received, which is converted into
thickness units using the material velocity.
The point on the scan that is being used to
calculate the digital thickness reading is
displayed as the vertical dashed line (see
section 9 on gates). The RF screen is used
for gauge setup prior to inspection.
6.3 RECT A-SCAN MEASUREMENT
SCREEN
The rectified view shows only half of the
waveform, either the positive or negative half
depending on the POLARITY selected.
The RECT display is the preferred view for
flaw and pit inspections
D Units The current measurement units (Metric/English).
E Feature Status Bar Indicates the features currently enabled and in use:
• Measurement Mode (P-E, PECT, PETP, E-E, E-EV, CT)
• Differential Mode (ON/OFF)
• High Speed Scan Mode (ON/OFF)
• Alarm Mode (ON/OFF/AUDIBLE)
• Gain Setting (Displays the set value)
See “Measurement - Modes” on page 15 etc for further
information
F Measurement View Area RF, RECT, B-SCAN or DIGITS view area.
G Measurement Labels
Bar Displays the viewable range and are based on the values of DELAY/B-START and RANGE/B-DEPTH
H Hot Menu The hot menu contains a selection of the most commonly used
options, allowing you to conveniently adjust these to your needs
while the graphical display is active
Hot Menu Enabled Hot Menu Disabled

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6.4 B-SCAN MEASUREMENT SCREEN
The time-based B-Scan display provides a
cross sectional view of the material being
tested. In this example, thetop, oraccessible
side of the material is represented as 0.00”,
and the bottom, or blind surface at .500”.
This mode is used when you need to inspect
the profile of the blind surface. It can also be
a useful view when scanning for pits and
flaws.
The B-Scan display is equipped with a scan
bar representing the overall thickness. The
scan bar gives the user a visual indication
when a flaw or defect passed over during the
scan process.
If you are scanning a pipe, for instance, and
pass over a pit during the process, the scan
bar will quickly deflect and alert you to go
back and search for the defect.
6.5 DIGITS MEASUREMENT SCREEN
The digits display shows the thickness as a
value using a large font size. This view is
used typically when the gauge is being used
as a basic thickness gauge. The digits
display includes the same scan bar as the
B-Scan display.
6.6 CHANGING THE VIEWABLE RANGE
In RF view, RECT view and B-SCAN view, if the waveform around the detection point is not visible
on the display, use one of the following methods to adjust the viewable range of the display:
• When in RF view or RECT view, change the values of the DELAY and RANGE functions until
the measurement falls inside the viewable range of the display - see instructions below.
• When in B-SCAN view, change the values of the B-START and B-DEPTH functions until the
measurement falls inside the viewable range of the display. B-START is the equivalent of
DELAY and B-DEPTH is the equivalent of RANGE and the instructions for changing these
values is identical to those for DELAY and RANGE - see instructions below.
• Use the Auto Find function - see “Auto Find” on page 23.
Note: Even if the waveform is outside of the viewable range of the display, a measurement can be
taken and viewed using the DIGITS view.
DELAY AND RANGE
The Delay is the thickness value from which the A-Scan display starts on the left of the screen. The
Range is used to adjust the value at the right side of the screen. Using these two parameters allows
the user to zoom in to a specific measurement range and increase the level of detail on the display.
For example, if a wall thickness was nominally 25mm and an operator was assessing for corrosion
on this wall they mightsetthedelayto10mmandthe rangeto 20mmtogiveaviewfrom 10to30mm
depth.
Hot Menu Enabled Hot Menu Disabled

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B-Start and B-Depth are analogous to Delay and Range for a B-Scan display respectively.
Delay and Range or B-Start and B-Depth may be adjusted in the hot menu or in the DISP section
of the main menu.
ADJUSTING DELAY AND RANGE (OR B-START AND B-DEPTH)
The quickest way to adjust DELAY and RANGE is directly from the hot menu. Alternatively, adjust
the values using the menus:
1. Select MENU/DISP/DELAY or RANGE and adjust using the "LEFT" "RIGHT" or use the
DIGITS EDIT BOX
2. Press OK to set the value
3. Press MEAS to return to the measurement
6.7 ADJUSTING B-SCAN SCROLL SPEED
The scrolling speed of the time-based B-Scan can be adjusted to suit your measurement
techniques.
To adjust the scroll speed
1. Select MENU/DISP/BSCAN SPEED
2. Choose a value between 1 and 10 (10 is fastest)
3. Press OK
4. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
6.8 GAIN
The gain (the amplitude of the transmitted pulse) can be adjusted to suit a variety of applications.
To obtain valid readings the gain must be set to the correct level to give reliable return echoes:
• Too much gain may result in erroneous measurements by detecting noise rather than the
material back wall itself.
• Not enough gain may result in intermittent detection. It may also result in lack of detection on
internal flaws, pits, or porosity.
The gain setting on your gauge can be compared to the volume control of a home stereo system.
Ifyouturn it up too much you cannot hear the music clearly. If it is turned downtoomuch,youcannot
hear it at all.
Note: When the echo-echo through-paint measurement mode is selected, the manual gain feature
is disabled and greyed out in the menu items. In this mode, your gauge switches to an automatic
gain mode (AGC) that optimises the gain setting automatically.
Your gauge has been optimised for a medium gain setting and for the majority of applications it can
be used at this setting. Some applications however may require lower or higher gain settings:
•Lower values might be necessary for noisy or granular cast materials. If the reading becomes
sporadic and will not settle down or resolve on a thickness value.
•Higher values may be necessary when trying to measure a material that is hard to penetrate
(due to the material type, or the overall thickness of the material) and when locating fine pits or
flaws. In these instances, increase the gain until the stability indicator reports a good
measurement.
TO ADJUST THE GAIN VALUE
The quickest way to adjust GAIN is directly from the hot menu. Alternatively, adjust the value using
the menus:

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1. Select MENU/TUNE/GAIN
2. Adjust to suit the measurement application.
3. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
6.9 THRESHOLD
The threshold is the level of signal amplitude required to trigger a gate and activate the digital
thickness reading. Increasing the threshold value decreases the sensitivity of the gauge as a more
powerful signal is required to trigger the gate. For example on the A-scan display it may be clear
that there is a flaw in the material but the thickness reading is not taking this into account; lowering
the threshold has the effect of increasing the sensitivity of the gauge to a level that the flaw can be
detected. More information on thresholds can be found on the Elcometer NDT Knowledge Centre
on www.elcometerndt.com.
TO ADJUST THE THRESHOLD VALUE
The quickest way to adjust a threshold value is directly from the hot menu. Alternatively, adjust the
values using the menus:
1. Press MENU/GT1/THRESHOLD1 (THRESHOLD2 and THRESHOLD3 are accessed and
adjusted in the same way from the menus for GT2 and GT3 respectively).
2. Adjust to suit the measurement application.
3. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
6.10 GATES
Your gauge is equipped with gates which control the time measurement process.
For instructions on how to use gates, see “Gates” on page 22.
6.11 ADJUSTING THE DISPLAY
Your gauge features an AMOLED display that you may customise to your preferences.
Changing the Display Brightness
Select MENU/DISP/BRIGHTNESS. Possible values are between 0 and 20
Changing the Display Refresh Rate
Select MENU/DISP/SCREEN UPDATE The AMOLED display can be set to refresh at either 60Hz
or 120Hz (times per second). Setting a high refresh rate may be beneficial when trying to detect
small defects in a material but comes at the cost of reduced battery life
Changing the Display Colour Scheme
Select MENU/DISP/COLORS Your gauge includes a range of display colour schemes.
Changing the Display DIM Time
1. Select MENU/DISP/DIM
2. Adjust to suit the measurement application

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7 MEASUREMENT - MODES
Your gauge has two basic measurement modes, Pulse-Echo and Echo-Echo, plus a number of
variations on these modes for specific measurement tasks.
If an auto identified transducer is fitted to the gauge the appropriate mode will be automatically set.
To select measurement mode manually, press MULTI MODE and then select the mode you want
to use from the list displayed.
Note: The availability of the modes depends upon the type of transducer fitted to the gauge.
7.1 PULSE-ECHO MODE (P-E), COATING OFF
The standard measurement mode providing maximum sensitivity. This general purpose mode
should be used for corrosion and flaw inspections and will measure the total thickness of a material.
7.2 PULSE-ECHO COATING MODE (PECT), COATING ON
Special mode that allows measurement of coating thickness and material thickness at the same
time while retaining the capability to detect flaws.
7.3 PULSE-ECHO TEMPERATURE COMPENSATED MODE (PETP), TEMP COMP
This is a custom mode that combines pulse-echo and electronic zero techniques to automatically
adjust for temperature changes in the transducer as a result of an increasing/decreasing
temperature gradient in the test material.
Note: Rough surface conditions can have an effect on the overall accuracy in this mode. If the
surface condition is in question, the pulse-echo mode should be used in conjunction with performing
an off block automatic zero as the temperature gradient changes.
7.4 ECHO-ECHO MODE (E-E), THRUPAINT™
This special mode allows the user to measure the material thickness of a substrate underneath a
coating while ignoring the coating thickness by using two echoes from the material back wall. This
mode is useful when the coating thickness makes up a sizeable proportion of a material, but has
the impact of reducing sensitivity so should not be used in pit and flaw inspections.
7.5 ECHO-ECHO VERIFY MODE (E-EV), THRU VERIFY
This mode uses a third echo to double check the measurement, increasing the reliability of a
measurement even further from the E-E mode.
7.6 COATING ONLY MODE (CT), COATING ONLY
Note: Similar to the PECT mode but reports the coating thickness only.
7.7 FLAW MODE
Your gauge includes a Flaw Mode.
For instructions see “Measurement - Detecting Flaws” on page 33.
PEEEEEV
CT CT
PE IE EE EEV PECTPECT

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8 SETTING UP THE THICKNESS GAUGE
8.1 AUTOMATIC TRANSDUCER IDENTIFICATION
If using a coating thickness transducer, the gauge will ask you to
confirm the transducer type.
1. Press OK to use the identified transducer.
Note: Always select OK to use the identified transducer type.
2. Ensure that the wearface is clean and free of any couplant or
debris then press OK to perform a probe zero.
3. Calibrate the gauge - see:
• “Calibrating - for a Material” on page 18 and
• “Calibrating - for a Coating” on page 20
..
8.2 SELECTING THE TRANSDUCER TYPE MANUALLY
Note: If not using a coating thickness transducer, you will need to select
a transducer type from the predefined list so that your gauge may
recall specific transducer properties.
Follow these steps to select your transducer type:
1. When the CONFIRM screen displays the ‘UNIDENTIFIED PROBE
TYPE’ message, press OK to display the predefined list of
transducer types (by diameter and frequency).
2. Using UP or DOWN, scroll through the transducer list until the
correct type is highlighted and then press ENTER.
3. Press OK to overwrite the existing transducer type with the newly
selected transducer type.
Your gauge will automatically advance to the Zero Probe menu.
8.3 TRANSDUCER - ZEROING
Setting the zero point for the transducer is important in the same way
that it is important for a mechanical micrometer. Zeroing takes into
account slight variations in the manufacturing process for maximum
accuracy. If zeroing is not carried out correctly, the measurements
taken by the gauge will be in error by some fixed value.
Your gauge has two zero probe options
•Off Block or Automatic Probe Zero - The gauge conducts an
electronic zero without the need for a zero block (All
measurement modes)
•On Block or Manual Probe Zero - Requires use of the zero block on the top of the gauge
(Pulse to echo mode only)

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For most applications the Off Block Zero will be sufficient, however if it is found the gauge linearity
is off and extreme accuracy is required an On Block Zero should be conducted followed by an Off
Block Zero. This will adjust and eliminate any error.
These options may be accessed from MENU/PRB.
8.4 OFF BLOCK ZERO (AUTOMATIC PROBE ZERO)
1. When the ZERO PROBE screen is displayed, remove all couplant from the face of the
transducer and check that the wearface of the transducer is clean and free of any debris.
2. Press OK (or ESC to cancel).
When the automatic probe zero is completed the measurement screen is displayed.
Your gauge should now be calibrated.
8.5 ON BLOCK ZERO (MANUAL PROBE ZERO)
When this zero probe option is selected a warning screen is displayed informing you that you must
zero the probe before taking measurements.
1. Press MEAS to display the measurement screen.
2. Remove all couplant from the face of the transducer and check that the wearface is clean and
free of any debris.
3. Apply a drop of couplant on the transducer and place the
transducer as shown in diagram.
Note: Disregard the value displayed; it is not important. What is
important is accurately performing these steps to ensure
reliability of the zero calculation.
4. Press MENU, scroll to the PRB menu, scroll to the ZERO
PROBE function and then press ENTER.
The ZERO PROBE screen is displayed.
5. UP and DOWN toggle coating on/off.
6. Press OK (or ESC to cancel).
When the manual probe zero is completed the measurement
screen is displayed.
7. Remove the transducer from the probe zero disk.
Your gauge should now be calibrated.
8.6 TRANSDUCER - ZEROING FOR COATING ONLY MEASUREMENTS
Your gauge features an additional zero coating feature for use when measuring coatings to a high
accuracy is required
Note: For this procedure, a coating transducer must be fitted to the gauge.
5
0(18 &/5 0($6

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1. Press MULTI MODE, scroll to COATING ONLY (CT) and press
ENTER.
The measurement screen is displayed.
2. Apply a drop of couplant on the transducer and place the
transducer in steady contact with the probe zero disk (battery
cover) and obtain a steady reading - see illustration.
Note: Disregard the value displayed; it is not important. What is
important is accurately performing these steps to ensure
reliability of the zero calculation.
3. Select MENU/PRB/ZERO COATING and then press ENTER.
A confirmation screen is displayed.
4. Press OK (or ESC to cancel).
When the zero coating process is completed the measurement
screen is displayed.
5. Press MULTI MODE, scroll to COATING ON (PECT) and press
ENTER.
The measurement screen is displayed.
You can now take readings.
8.7 CALIBRATING - FOR A MATERIAL
Sound travels through different materials at different speeds, and in order to measure these
materials accurately the correct sound velocity must be programmed into the gauge. Your gauge
features 3 different ways of doing this
Known material calibration - The material to be measured is selected from a list in the gauge
Known velocity calibration - If the material sound velocity is known this may be entered manually.
Known Thickness Calibration - A sample of the material to be inspected is measured using
alternative means and then used to calibrate the gauge.
•One Point calibration is the simplest and most commonly used calibration procedure with best
performance over large measurement ranges
•Two Point calibration uses two samples of different thicknesses, with enhanced accuracy
over small ranges close to the sample thicknesses used
For the highest measurement accuracy use the known thickness calibration as this takes into
account variation in material composition, temperature and a variety of other factors.
KNOWN MATERIAL CALIBRATION
If the material velocity is unknown, and a sample thickness cannot be taken from the material, you
can choose a material type from a list stored in the gauge. For each material stored in the list there
is a corresponding velocity value.
Note: These velocities will not always be an exact representation of the material being tested. Use
these values only if a close approximation is acceptable.
1. Select MENU/CAL/MAT.
2. Press ENTER to display the list of material types.
3. Scroll through the material list until the appropriate material is highlighted.
4. Press ENTER to choose the material type.
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2. (6&

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5. Press OK to select the material type and display the menu items with the new material type
selected
6. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
KNOWN VELOCITY CALIBRATION
If the material velocity is known, you can enter the velocity value directly into the gauge. A list of the
sound velocities of common materials is given at the end of this instruction manual.
1. Press MENU/CAL/VELOCITY .
2. Press ENTER to display the Digits Edit Box.
3. Adjust to match the material velocity.
4. Press OK.
5. Press MEAS to return to the measurement screen.
KNOWN THICKNESS CALIBRATION
If the sound velocity of a material is unknown, a sample with one or two known thicknesses can be
used to determine the sound velocity.
Note: Although the gauge has a through-paint/coating feature, known thickness calibration must be
performed on material with the paint or coating removed.
ONE-POINT CALIBRATION - The one point calibration option is most suited for linearity over large
ranges. You shouldalways calibrateon high side of the intendedmeasurement range. For example,
if the measurement range is 2.54 mm to 25.4 mm (.100" to 1.0"), you should calibrate on a known
thickness sample close to 25.4 mm (1.0").
Note: Before you start this calibration procedure, perform a probe zero.
1. Apply a drop of couplant on the transducer and place the transducer in steady contact with the
sample or the material being tested. Be sure that the reading is stable and the repeatability
indicator, in the top left corner of the display, is fully lit and stable.
2. Select MENU/CAL/MATLIPT.
3. Press ENTER to display the Digits Edit Box.
4. Adjust to match the material thickness.
5. Press OK to calculate the velocity and return to the measurement screen, or ESC to cancel.
Note: Place the transducer back on the calibration point. The thickness reading should now match
the known thickness but if outside tolerance, repeat the steps above.
TWO-POINT CALIBRATION - For improved accuracy over a smaller measurement range, conduct
one-point calibration followed by a two-point calibration. For example, if the measurement range is
2.03 mm to 6.35 mm (.080" to 0.250"), perform a one point calibration on a known thickness sample
close to 6.35 mm (.250"), followed by a two-point calibration close to 2.03 mm (.080").
Note: Before you start this calibration procedure, perform a probe zero.
Two - Point calibration
1. Conduct a one point calibration routine as described previously in this section. You should
conduct this routine at the high end of the measurement range
2. Repeat the routine with another sample at the low end of the measurement range, except this
time enter the thickness into the MATL 2PT area in the CAL menu.
Note: CHECK YOUR CALIBRATION. Place the transducer back on both calibration points. If the
thickness is out of tolerance repeat the steps above.